The liquid form of sorbitol continues to comprise about 80% of the market.

Also contributing to the increase was the expectation by market sources that sorbitol demand would grow by 2%-3% in 2013.

Contract prices for crystal sorbitol, which represents about 20% of the market, increased an average of 3 cents/lb for 2013.

Spot prices for sorbitol are running 3 cents/lb above contract levels. However, with producers having contracted nearly all of their 2013 production, there is little sorbitol available for spot purchase, a source said.